While the Southwest doesn't have to worry about rust, the sun and heat truly trashes the finish and interiors of many older cars. In fact, it's not uncommon to see fairly new cars with severe clear coat damage and faded paint. Basically, if you neglect the finish of your vehicle out here, the sun will do its damage quickly. While I now always have to park my car outdoors, I deliberately try to park in the shade, even if it means a longer walk to and from the car. Tinting the windows certainly helps from the sun fading of the interior materials. Really nice-looking older cars were likely garaged or covered up.

]]>2018-12-19T08:08:45+01:002018-12-19T08:08:45+01:00https://www.kizashiclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4246&p=48519#p48519Ronzuki wrote:Yeah, agreed...she likely didn't know, but come on...no gas engine sounds, starter cranking etc., should have done something to light something up in that air head of hers.

Also agree that if we're going to be forced in to this EV non-sense, there had better be some sort of gas fired back-up in the thing for me to even consider owning one (like it or not).

I think EVs are the future and the technology makes a lot of sense to me. However, the infrastructure isn't there to support them the same way as gasoline (yet) so that's why I have some reservations. It's not the powertrain, as I generally consider electric propulsion superior to internal combustion and its necessary transmission, but more about charging and range. While I will personally admit an EV could easily replace my vehicle for all my regular driving (commuting and for work), I really like the outdoors and doing things like visiting the mountains or desert for things like camping and hiking. Given some regions like the Joshua Tree National Park are so remote that one does not even have cell signal out there, EV charging is a major concern. At least with gasoline, you can easily fill up just before entering the park and if need be, have extra fuel in auxiliary jerry cans.This is why a PHEV that blends the convenience and capabilities of both to optimize for either urban commuting or long/remote area driving appeals to me. Until an ideal vehicle with adventure-ready features with superior efficiency is available, I'm keeping my Kizashi.

]]>2018-12-19T07:56:23+01:002018-12-19T07:56:23+01:00https://www.kizashiclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1338&p=48518#p48518suzukidriver wrote:The passenger seat Warning Light on. That is caused by a spring hook (ground I presume) under the seat that has become disconnected. When hooked back on to seat frame the Warning Light goes off. Would this also cause unwarranted deployment? I severely rear ended a vehicle in front of me. I'm convinced it happened because the driver's airbag went off while I was driving causing me to floor it. The passenger bag did not deploy even though a backpack was sitting on seat, I hadn't reconnected the ground hook for a while. At that speed, and with weight on seat, that airbag should have also deployed. I have no memory of impact, I think because of concussion and so I can't be my own witness. I noticed another case of a driver's airbag deploying while driving on PistonHeads but the post has since been removed. Are there any other reports of deployment of driver's bag while driving a Suzuki SX4 2007 .

Sounds like you have an SX4 instead of a Kizashi. Due to that, look into the recall that was around the passenger airbag warning light for the SX4. It was announced a few years ago and while it didn't apply to the Kizashi, I believe the SX4 was an affected vehicle.

Also, you should know that the warning light essentially works to disable the passenger airbag deployment based on weight. It works in a manner like this:No front passenger: Airbag on by default (some cars allow you to turn it off or on)Front passenger approximately 100 lbs or under: Disable front passenger airbag. When this happens, the light is ON. Front passenger over 100 lbs: Front passenger airbag enabled. The light is OFF.

The airbag turns on or off based on weight detection to prevent deployment on passengers who are at-risk with airbags. Smaller/shorter women and children actually have a risk of serious neck injury with airbags so it's safer not to deploy if the front passenger is too lightweight. However, the system isn't necessary turned on or off by things like a backpack on the front passenger seat. That's too lightweight to make a difference. You need something over 50 lbs and under approximately 100 lbs to engage the system.

]]>2018-12-19T07:37:13+01:002018-12-19T07:37:13+01:00https://www.kizashiclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4717&p=48517#p48517seetharr wrote:It’s a 2013 (forgot to ask what was actual date of sale) seetharr

If the seller doesn't know, call Suzuki corporate. They can tell you the original purchase date by VIN and which of the 3 warranties are still in effect (complete, powertrain, and emission warranty).

]]>2018-12-19T06:30:19+01:002018-12-19T06:30:19+01:00https://www.kizashiclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4717&p=48516#p48516Thank you so much for the honest, valuable insight. I’m still in the consideration phase with the Kizashi and other possibilities.

Yes, I can see your point about orphan status and high potential of dismal resale value. So yeah, if I take the plunge then it’s because I like the car now (good fit) and will take care of it (“in sickness and in health”) for quite a few years to come.

I can definitely use this as leverage if I decide to negotiate a deal.

]]>2018-12-18T23:07:30+01:002018-12-18T23:07:30+01:00https://www.kizashiclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4246&p=48515#p48515Also agree that if we're going to be forced in to this EV non-sense, there had better be some sort of gas fired back-up in the thing for me to even consider owning one (like it or not).

]]>2018-12-18T18:11:36+01:002018-12-18T18:11:36+01:00https://www.kizashiclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1338&p=48514#p48514 I severely rear ended a vehicle in front of me. I'm convinced it happened because the driver's airbag went off while I was driving causing me to floor it. The passenger bag did not deploy even though a backpack was sitting on seat, I hadn't reconnected the ground hook for a while. At that speed, and with weight on seat, that airbag should have also deployed. I have no memory of impact, I think because of concussion and so I can't be my own witness. I noticed another case of a driver's airbag deploying while driving on PistonHeads but the post has since been removed. Are there any other reports of deployment of driver's bag while driving a Suzuki SX4 2007 .

That's pretty funny, but in her defense, it's likely that she borrowed the car from someone and had no idea it wasn't even a hybrid.

It reminds me of a time when I was in a Tesla showroom store years ago when they were first hitting the market. The store was in a popular mall out in Maryland or Virginia and while I was checking out the Model S, I overheard people asking reps all kinds of "stupid" questions like where is the engine, how big is the gas tank, what's the gas mileage, etc. Then I realized that most people aren't car people and electric cars are new to the consumer market. After over a hundred years of fossil fuel powered vehicles, many would be confused by technology that is unlike the status quo.

While I do like EVs, I think personally, a PHEV appeals to me the most. While some see it as a comprised vehicle stuck between conventional ICE and battery-powered electric motors, I see it like mixing of both positive attributes. It allows for short-range commuting with EV efficiency, on-site charging, and low operating costs yet allows for the flexibility and range of a gasoline car for long trips or cold weather. With an ICE onboard, cold temperatures don't have the same kind of range anxiety effect given many EVs see their range cut nearly in half in sub-freezing temperatures. Advanced PHEVs even run on any of three modes between Battery power, Series Hybrid, and Parallel Hybrid to optimize the kind of driving and efficiency desired. Until EVs have a reliable range of 500 miles on average realistic driving conditions (on current infrastructure), I think I'll prefer a PHEV. The good thing is that the technology and market selection is rapidly improving and increasing for electrified vehicles.

]]>2018-12-17T17:25:19+01:002018-12-17T17:25:19+01:00https://www.kizashiclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2795&p=48511#p48511Now I am confused to fix this issue. Just checked with Boby shop and said around $800 to change the lock.